Travelling around Downtown Chicago doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, with daily car rental prices starting at AU$123 within the past seven days.

Don’t stress. You should be given all of your money back if you advise us more than six hours before the scheduled pickup time. Your itinerary contains details about this, as does our Customer Service Portal. Not all reservations qualify for a refund though, so it’s a good idea to read through your car rental policy.

If you’ll be exploring busy cities, you’ll want to think small — like an economy-sized car. The most booked type of home in Downtown Chicago, they can easily navigate crowded streets, slip into tight parking spaces and offer excellent mileage. But there’s nothing holding you back from going big either! Check out our mid-size or full-size options if you’d prefer more room, or ramp up the luxury factor with one our premium rides.

There are so many adventures to be had in Downtown Chicago, but venture farther afield and you’ll find even more magic. Pick up a set of wheels and you can explore the surrounding region at your own speed. Add these awesome drives to your travel plan:

• You’ll find Milwaukee Art Museum and many other interesting sights in Milwaukee. From Downtown Chicago, it’s about 129 kilometres away.
• Your next stop? Make it Madison, which is around 193 kilometres away. University of Wisconsin-Madison is one local draw card you won’t want to miss.
• Gardens of the Fox Cities is located 274 kilometres from Downtown Chicago and is one of the region’s most spectacular nature spots. Go for a walk around and enjoy the fresh air here.

From member exclusive discounts to our convenient package deals, there are plenty of reasons to rent your wheels with Expedia. Planning to explore Downtown Chicago? There are home companies to choose from, with plenty of vehicles to suit all budgets and styles. If you’d love to save more, bundle your rental car with your hotel and flights. Ready to take the wheel? We’re ready to help get you on your way.

Browse our wide selection of rental cars, check out ratings and compare offers from big-name suppliers. In just a few clicks, Expedia will help you score the best deal on your ride. Got a flight or hotel booking? Add on your Downtown Chicago car rental and save even more.

Rental car rules in Downtown Chicago require drivers to be at least 21. Are you a younger driver? Some restrictions and surcharges may apply. Home suppliers impose what’s known as a young renter surcharge, which is an additional fee to the rental car cost. Restrictions usually apply to the categories of cars young drivers can rent as well. Age limits may vary between companies, so check before booking.

You’ll generally require a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the same name when picking up the keys to your vehicle. Proof of coverage may also be needed if you’d prefer to opt out of the company’s insurance policy. Requirements are likely to differ between home companies, so it’s wise to read the fine print.

Whether you plan to stick around Downtown Chicago or travel beyond, it’s easy to book a long-term holiday home with Expedia. Enter your trip details and pick-up/drop-off locations and we’ll help you find excellent long-term car rental deals.

Some Downtown Chicago companies will rent to drivers under 25 years of age, and others won’t. Policies differ from supplier to supplier, so be prepared to do some research. Also, find out if there are any additional costs. Some places will apply a surcharge to customers between the ages of 21 and 24. Always check the terms and conditions to avoid any surprise fees.

If you don’t possess a driver’s license issued in the U.S, you may be required to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country of residence before renting a car in the U.S. If you find that an IDP is part of the requirements to drive in the U.S., be aware that you’ll also have to show your valid driver’s license and your passport or other forms of ID. Lastly, your credit card used to rent the car must match the name on your driver’s license and passport in order to finalize your car rental. Other things you should know about rental cars in the U.S. Are:

• Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in most states to be able to rent a car, although in some areas, 21 years and older is allowed. We recommend checking local rules and regulations, as well as the car rental website before you book to understand additional terms and conditions.
• Driving limitations: Don’t forget to read the fine print before you leave the lot to avoid unnecessary fees. When renting a car in the United States, you usually can’t cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, drive onto ferries or traverse off-road areas with your rental car. We recommend reading all the rules and regulations before you book!